Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turn pale yellow starting from the bottom, sometimes with green veins remaining. Older leaves affected first, spreading upward if untreated. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil and poor root oxygen
• Nitrogen deficiency from inadequate fertilization
• Natural aging of lower leaves (normal if limited)

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and reduce watering frequency if consistently wet
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 2 weeks during growing season
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule, allowing top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Feed regularly during active growth periods.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, progressing inward. Tips may curl and entire leaves become papery. Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 40%)
• Fluoride/chlorine sensitivity from tap water
• Direct sunlight exposure causing burn

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifier to maintain 50-60%
• Switch to filtered or rainwater for watering
• Move to bright indirect light, away from direct sun

Prevention: Maintain proper humidity levels year-round. Use appropriate water sources and provide filtered light only.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves lose turgor and droop despite adequate soil moisture. Stems may also appear limp. Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering
• Underwatering causing dehydration
• Temperature stress from cold drafts or heat

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot; trim affected areas and repot in fresh, well-draining mix
• Water thoroughly when top inch is dry, ensuring drainage
• Move away from air vents, windows, and heat sources

Prevention: Use well-draining African violet potting mix. Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F consistently.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Leaves fall off suddenly, often still green. May affect multiple leaves simultaneously. Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes or cold drafts
• Transplant shock after repotting
• Severe pest infestation weakening the plant

Solutions:

• Stabilize environment and avoid moving plant frequently
• Minimize root disturbance when repotting; water lightly after
• Inspect for pests and treat accordingly

Prevention: Maintain stable growing conditions. Repot only when necessary and handle roots gently.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant stops producing new leaves or flowers. Existing leaves remain small and growth appears frozen. Common Causes:

• Root bound conditions restricting growth
• Insufficient light for photosynthesis
• Nutrient depletion in old potting mix

Solutions:

• Check roots and repot if circling the pot bottom
• Move to brighter location with indirect light
• Refresh potting mix annually and fertilize regularly

Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years. Provide adequate bright, indirect light and maintain feeding schedule.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with widely spaced leaves. Plant reaches toward light source with weak, elongated growth. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light intensity
• Overcrowding with other plants
• One-sided light exposure

Solutions:

• Move closer to light source or add grow lights
• Provide adequate spacing between plants
• Rotate plant quarter turn weekly for even growth

Prevention: Ensure 10-12 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Maintain proper plant spacing.

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and under leaves. Slow-moving insects visible with magnification. Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Spray with insecticidal soap solution weekly
• For severe infestations, use systemic insecticide Prevention: Quarantine new plants. Inspect regularly, especially leaf undersides and crown.

Thrips

Identification: Tiny, slender insects that move quickly. Silver or bronze streaks on leaves. Damage Signs: Distorted flowers and leaves, silvery patches, flower bud drop Treatment:

• Apply neem oil spray every 3-5 days
• Use blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce population
• Remove heavily damaged flowers and leaves Prevention: Keep area clean of plant debris. Monitor with sticky traps year-round.

Cyclamen Mites

Identification: Microscopic mites causing twisted, brittle growth. Not visible without magnification. Damage Signs: Stunted, curled leaves with rough texture. Flower buds fail to open. Treatment:

• Isolate infected plant immediately
• Apply miticide specifically labeled for cyclamen mites
• Consider discarding severely infected plants Prevention: Quarantine new plants for 6 weeks. Avoid overhead watering which spreads mites.

Disease Issues

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Soft, mushy crown turning black or brown. Foul odor may be present. Leaves detach easily. Causes: Water accumulation in crown, especially with cool temperatures Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile knife
• Dust wounds with cinnamon or sulfur powder
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix Prevention: Water from bottom or carefully around edges. Ensure good air circulation.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaf surfaces. Leaves may yellow and distort. Causes: High humidity with poor air circulation, especially in cool conditions Treatment:

• Improve air circulation immediately
• Apply fungicide labeled for powdery mildew
• Remove severely affected leaves Prevention: Space plants adequately. Run fans to improve air movement. Avoid overhead watering.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, musty soil odor Identification: Roots appear brown, black, or mushy instead of white and firm Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash away all soil
• Trim all affected roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix and clean pot Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes. Never let plant sit in standing water. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, growing through drainage holes. Slow growth despite good care. Identification: Dense root mass visible when removed from pot. Soil dries out quickly. Treatment:

• Gently tease roots apart when repotting
• Move to pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter
• Trim excessively long roots if necessary Prevention: Check roots annually in spring. Repot before severe binding occurs.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, or flower bud blast Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 55°F or above 80°F, cold drafts Treatment: Move to stable environment immediately. Remove damaged growth. Reduce watering until recovery. Prevention: Keep away from windows in winter, AC vents in summer. Maintain 65-75°F range.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, slow growth, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, reduced flowering Solutions: Use humidity trays for low humidity. Increase air circulation for high humidity. Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity with good air movement.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached, yellowing leaves with brown patches. Compact but stressed growth. Too Little Light: Pale green leaves, no flowering, stretched growth Solutions: Adjust position relative to light source. Use sheer curtains to filter intense light. Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light. East or north windows ideal.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant doesn't respond to treatment within 2 weeks
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering - top inch should be dry
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly, especially under leaves
• [ ] Rotate plant quarter turn weekly for even growth
• [ ] Clean dead leaves and flowers promptly
• [ ] Maintain stable temperature between 65-75°F
• [ ] Ensure 50-60% humidity with good air circulation

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care conditions, begin treatments Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing if recovery successful Month 1+: Full recovery with consistent new leaves and potential flowering

Remember: Most Streptocarpus 'Faith' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.